CHARLOTTETOWN - The Island Storm has announced Wednesday the signing of Canadian basketball star Kemy Osse.

The 6-foot-1 Montreal native was a standout at the 2009 Canada Games in Summerside for Team Quebec and followed that performance with a successful run at Archibald Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. After graduating, Osse proceeded to have a four-year career in the NCAA’s Sun Belt Conference with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

“It was a blessing to play for Little Rock. I developed a lot of relationships and had some great memories in the March Madness tournament.”

First year Storm coach Tim Kendrick is expecting big things from his newest rookie.

“He’s got a hard working attitude and great ball-handling ability.”

Osse has already shown great resiliency and perseverance in his young career.

“I broke my knee and tore my patella tendon in the same knee. The doctors said I might never play again, but in my mind I said there’s no way my career is going to end this way. I missed a full season, but I took my rehab very seriously, maybe even too seriously.”

Osse fractured his patella in 2014, near the end of his sophomore season at Little Rock. After redshirting the 2014-15 season for rehab, he played all 67 games over the next two years, starting 48 of them.

Osse’s determination is one of the things Kendrick praises in his approach to the game.

“I really like him. He’s a strong, physical guard and he sees the game well. He’s got a high basketball I.Q.”

As the excitement around the new season begins, there is plenty of reason to be optimistic, says Kendrick.

“It’s a new season for me for sure. I’ve got to give a lot of credit to Duncan Shaw [Team Owner and President] and Brett Poirier [Team Vice President] for their tireless efforts behind the scenes. We should have a competitive team that challenges in the Atlantic for sure.”

The research Osse did on the Storm organization is what attracted him to come to the Island over other offers.

“I really love the fan support for the team. It’s exciting to see the fans get so excited and get behind the team so much. I was also excited when I heard Coach Kendrick was here. I actually played against him during the Canada Games, so he’s seen what I can do.”

Osse had other offers on the table, but felt the Storm was for him.

“I can’t wait to start the season. It just felt right to sign here.”

Storm season tickets are now on sale at the Eastlink Centre box office. For pricing and more info, please click here.